Scotland
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities. It is a four hour train ride north from London's St. Pancras Station, and the gateway to Scotland. A two day trip to Edinburgh allows enough time to shop on the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and catch an unforgettable sunset atop Calton Hill. Unlike most U.K. cities, Edinburgh doesn't have an early bed-time. After dark you can enjoy a ghost tour, rowdy pub, or comedy act. If you're traveling in August, plan to experience a Military Tattoo and fireworks show at Edinburgh Castle.
48 hours in Edinburgh is all most of us can spare on a trip to the U.K., but if more time allows, a trip to the Isle of Skye or the Scottish Highlands won't disappoint. "Hire" a car in Edinburgh before doing so, as public transportation is limited outside of the larger cities. Watch out for sheep, narrow roads, and one-lane road turn off etiquette when traversing The Highlands. Three-to-four extra days in Scotland will allow you time to visit Fort William, Glencoe, Portree, and Inverness. Inverness has a nice (albeit small) airport with flights to most cities in Scotland and Great Britain.
Plan your trip to Scotland early. Automatic transmission vehicles and B & Bs tend to book up quickly.
If you're traveling with four+ people, expect to have some difficulty finding either in a size that will accommodate your party.
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Edinburgh Castle
Standing on its great rock, Edinburgh castle dominates Scotland’s capital. The castle was home to kings and queens. Queen Margaret (later St Margaret) died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI in the royal palace in 1566. Her great-great-great grandson Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie - captured Edinburgh but couldn’t take the castle during the 1745-6 Jacobite rising.
In 1996, the Stone of Destiny, on which kings were enthroned for centuries, was returned to Scotland and is displayed in the Crown Room. From the 1600s onwards the castle was a military base with a large garrison. Later it also held prisoners of war. Parts are still a military base, but the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction and a key element of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of the city's Royal Mile.
Explore the palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Edinburgh Central Guest House
I stayed at the Edinburgh Central Guest House during my time abroad in 2012. I was warmly greeted upon arrival and found the accommodations clean and comfortable (including the shared bathrooms, which were spotless). The location was great - a casual stroll away from the Royal Mile. This central location allowed me to make the most of my 48 hours in Edinburgh.
Room Tip: You will need to take a taxi from Edinburgh Waverley - too far to walk with luggage.
Eilean Donan Castle
As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognized all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye near the township of Glendale.
While the walk down is an easy one, the concrete path does get quite steep at times. From the path you will see stunning views of the high cliffs and the lighthouse itself, at sunset the view is made even more spectacular making this a top destination for landscape photographers.
Fairy Pools
At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle. These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos.
Kenmore Highland Games
Kenmore Highland Games is an evening of traditional Highland Games organized voluntarily by The Kenmore & District Sports Association, which started in 1972. Kenmore Highland Games are ALWAYS on the first Wednesday in July. Events include, highland dancing, pipe band, heavy weight events (tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the shot), children’s & adult races, the challenging Kenmore Hill race, trade stands, food & bar stands, and more.
Culloden Battlefield
On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,500 men were slain – more than 1,000 of them Jacobites.
The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It stands as a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history.
